Volunteering Helps Heart Health

Volunteering is good for your heart.

A recent study looked at the effect of volunteering on indicators of heart health. The researchers noted, "The idea that individuals who help others incur health benefits themselves suggests a novel approach to improving health while simultaneously promoting greater civic orientation in our society. The present study is the first experimental trial, to our knowledge, of whether regular volunteering can reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents."

The study actually looked at teenagers in and out of a volunteering program organized through their school. The volunteer work took place at elementary schools for 10 weeks during the fall semester. The after-school programs for volunteers included helping with homework and clubs that focused on sports, science, cooking, cards and games, and arts and crafts.

Those that volunteered had a significant improvement in inflammation markers, cholesterol levels, and body mass index compared to those who did not volunteer.

The researchers noted that the volunteers had increases in empathy and improvements in mood that likely helped reduce the risk factors associated with heart health. The best way to help yourself may be to help others. It can't hurt. Start volunteering to help your heart health!

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